Years after the 2021 Nvidia leak, I’d almost given up on the remake/remaster rumors of Final Fantasy Tactics. But here we are, we can all finally put a huge check on that list as Square Enix has officially revealed Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles in today’s State of Play showcase.
The strategy RPG returns in both enhanced and classic versions of the game, featuring fully voiced characters (see the cast below!), UI overhaul, revamped graphics, and a “Squire” beginner difficulty setting for newcomers in the genre. Here’s the launch trailer that was presented during the event.
For Final Fantasy fans who haven’t had the opportunity to play this yet, read through the information below to learn more and why this 1997 PlayStation classic was so beloved by many.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Overview
The dramatic tale of ambition, betrayal, and honor will come to life with an updated and enriched script with fully voiced dialogue, alongside improved graphics that bring a new level of immersion and playability to the battlefield. Additionally, the enhanced version brings quality-of-life updates like new difficulties, a revamped UI, auto save, and more that make the game more accessible to newcomers. The game features strategic, turn-based combat and an elaborate character progression system that makes every battle exhilarating and filled with unexpected twists.
Hailed as one of gaming’s greatest stories, in this standalone game, players will step into the Kingdom of Ivalice—a medieval world steeped in political conflict—in which players uncover the truth behind the young noble Ramza Beoulve, whose role on history’s stage has been buried from view.
Square Enix also revealed the new key art of Ramza and Delita, the two heroes of this story, drawn by Akihiko Yoshida. The art depicts the complex relationship of the two individuals – whether they stand together to protect one another, or the start of a departure as they walk divergent paths. Above them, Ovelia and Alma, both of whom have strong ties to Ramza and Delita, solemnly look into the distance, foreshadowing the direction that fate will lead them.
Legendary developers from the original game will make their return in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, including Kazutoyo Maehiro (Director), Hiroshi Minagawa (Art Director), and Yasumi Matsuno (Original Script, Scenario Writer and Editor).
Key Features
- Challenging, Tactical Turn-Based Battles — Experience the addictive tactical turn-based combat and deep character progression system that made the game an instant Tactical RPG classic. Players will test their battle acumen against a host of powerful enemies, and use the various terrains, characters and customizations, as well as their strategic thinking, to achieve victory.
- Customizable Job System with Dynamic Character Progression — Players can master a robust roster of over 20 jobs—including black mage, dragoon, geomancer (who can use the environment against foes), summoner (who can call forth the iconic FINAL FANTASY moogle and other espers), time mage (who uses time magick), thief, and more—and over 300 character abilities to strategically build endless party combinations.
- Enhanced Gameplay Features and a Faithful Classic Version — The enhanced version features a revised script and fully voiced dialogue, offering a new level of enjoyment to this classic story. Additionally, a brand-new UI, improved graphics, as well as additional character conversations and dialogue create a new level of immersion. Additionally, many new features have been added to make the game even more approachable including the ability to confirm unit turn order with the press of a button, scout the battlefield from afar with the tactical view feature, speed up battles with fast forward, auto save during battles, adjust game difficulty to match your play style, and more. The classic version faithfully recreates the 1997 release of FINAL FANTASY TACTICS alongside the acclaimed War of the Lions translation—perfect for fans who wish to relive the original experience.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Voice Cast
The voice cast is impressive, too, featuring actors both new and familiar to series fans:
- Joe Pitts (known for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Lies of P) as Ramza
- Gregg Lowe (Horizon Zero Dawn, Lies of P) as Delita
- Hannah Melbourn as Agrias
- Timothy Watson (Final Fantasy XVI, Xenoblade Chronicles, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake) as Cidolfus
- Harry McEntire (Final Fantasy XVI, Xenoblade Chronicles 3) as Mustadio
- Ben Starr (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Final Fantasy XVI) as Dycedarg
- Plus, cameos by Cody Christian (Final Fantasy VII Remake‘s Cloud Strife) and Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough)
Preorder Details
Preorders are now up on the Square Enix Store for both Standard ($49.99 USD) and Collector’s Box and Game Bundle Edition ($249.99 USD). Players can redeem their preorder in-game bonuses once the game becomes available from the Options menu section.
Preorder Bonus
- White Equipment for Ramza
- Weapon: Mythril Knife
- Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit’s Jump attribute while equipped)
- Consumable Items: High Potion x10
- Consumable items: Ether x10
Collector’s Box and Game Bundle Edition
- Special Art Box
- Ramza Beoulve Figure (Akademy Version)
- Zodiac Stones Acrylic Art Set
- Chocobo Mini Plush set
- Pop-up Art – “Outlying Church”
- Art Sheet Set
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Screenshots
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches on September 30th for PS5, PS4, XSX, Switch 2, Switch, and PC via Steam. Keep checking back here at RPGFan for more Final Fantasy news and State of Play coverage!
Editor’s Addendum: If you have never played Final Fantasy Tactics and want to know what the hubbub is about, check out John Tucker’s Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions review, and Stephen Meyerink’s excellent article, The Lion War: Finding the Voice of Ivalice, from our huge Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary feature in 2017.
Editor’s Addendum 2: Okay, wait, one last addition from me! Yasumi Matsuno also shared this incredible message alongside today’s announcement that we’d be remiss not to share:
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